Aiobahn +81 and FUWAMOCO unite for dreamy Nekopara ending theme ‘side by side’
Internet music and otaku culture collide in spectacular fashion with Aiobahn +81’s electrifying second single, “side by side (feat. FUWAMOCO)”, the official ending theme of the newest installment in the globally cherished Nekopara series, After La Vraie Famille.
Blending melodic house with elements drawn from anime, game, and denpa culture, “side by side” captures a nostalgic energy reminiscent of golden-era bishoujo game theme songs, reimagined for 2025. Lending their signature charm to the track are FUWAMOCO, the beloved twin VTuber idols from hololive English, who bring a delicate, airy vocal delivery that infuses the music with dreamy resonance.
Winners of VTuber of the Year at the 2024 VTuber Awards and boasting over 1.1 million YouTube subscribers, FUWAMOCO’s participation in this track goes beyond performance—they’re long-time fans of Nekopara, a franchise that has sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide. Their performance is interspersed with playful “Nya Nya Nya…” chants, a clear tribute to the feline stars of the series.
An otaku-centric transformation
Aiobahn +81, launched in 2025, marks the producer’s bold leap into an identity deeply rooted in anisong, denpa, and game OST maximalism. His debut single “天天天国地獄国 Tententengokujigokugoku (feat. Nanahira and Pmaru-sama)” became an instant internet phenomenon, amassing 9.5 million YouTube views and reaching No. 10 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart by May 2025.
The accompanying lyric video for “side by side” channels the warm ambiance of a 2000s anime outro, featuring animated versions of Aiobahn +81, FUWAMOCO, and Nekopara’s beloved characters Chocola and Vanilla. Complementing the release is a stunning piece of original cover art illustrated by Sayori, the legendary creator of Nekopara, which depicts the first-ever visual collaboration between the artist and both musicians.
More than a song
“side by side” isn’t just an anime ending theme—it’s a celebration of virtual charisma, electronic innovation, and otaku nostalgia. With its fusion of house beats, VTuber flair, and game culture vibes, this collaboration delivers an immersive experience that speaks to fans across the anime, gaming, and music spheres.
Whether you’re a die-hard Nekopara supporter, an EDM aficionado, or a VTuber enthusiast, this track is a shining example of how the worlds of digital music and otaku storytelling continue to evolve—side by side.
